*Editorial Book Review*
The Electrician and the Seamstress
(Timeless Legacy Book 1)
By Monica Granlove
(Timeless Legacy Book 1)
By Monica Granlove
Publication Date: 8th October 2024
Publisher: Granlove Legacy Publications
Page Length: 359
Genre: Biographical Historical Fiction
Based on the true story of a couple torn apart during World War II, The Electrician and the Seamstress is a beautiful tale of resilience, courage, and love.
Germany, 1936. Bruno, an electrician, and Karla, a seamstress, forge a powerful love amid the rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler’s ascent to power. Staunch opponents of the Nazi ideology, they live in perpetual apprehension as they risk being labeled dissidents, navigating a complex negotiation between moral principles and self-preservation. As World War II breaks out, Bruno faces a profound internal struggle when he is drafted into service, and he is eventually captured by the Russians and imprisoned in Siberia. His nearly two-year journey back to war-ravaged Germany reveals the devastating aftermath, with his city in ruins and family displaced.
Meanwhile, Karla, at home facing nightly bombings, struggles to raise their two young children and is forced into helping the Nazis. Through these tumultuous times, Karla and Bruno’s unwavering love becomes a testament to human strength and endurance amid adversity. Part of the Timeless Legacy series, The Electrician and the Seamstress is based on the true story of the author’s own grandparents.
I thought about the ships he’d told me were being “remodeled” and asked the question that had been on my mind for weeks. “Are we going to war?”
“No, of course not. The regime simply wants us to be prepared just in case.”
“In case of what?”
Tensions are rising in Europe. SS officers line the streets, and the Gestapo remain undercover, so no one can ever be entirely sure they aren’t under surveillance. Rallies on the streets and radio broadcasts promote the Führer, his born leadership, and overall greatness, pushing Germany to become more than it ever could have been. People celebrate, idol, worship.
Control and uncertainty shape daily life for those outside the Nazi Party’s influence. But the overwhelming power of propaganda and the ambiguity of the media blur reality, making it difficult to distinguish truth from fiction.
In “The Electrician and the Seamstress (Timeless Legacy Book 1)”, Monica Granlove breathes life into history, reviving people from the past to share their stories. Granlove’s main achievement is showing how trust, moral conviction, and resilience become both rare and vital in the face of totalitarian rule—a thread that shapes every character’s journey in the novel.
Despite her father’s ideology and Nazi commitment, Karla can’t understand what he sees in the Party. Politics becomes the main topic at home. Even her younger sister starts to idolise the Führer. Karla, however, finds solace in Bruno’s company. He lacks wealth or high status but shares her values. She spends much of her time with him and his family on their farm. Karla and Bruno’s relationship begins tentatively, as they try to gauge each other’s political views before they begin to trust each other, as turning in your neighbours to gain favour was openly promoted over harbouring their secrets. The unease of not knowing who, if anyone, could be trusted comes across incredibly clearly. Once they take the initial plunge, though, their shared distaste for the country’s ongoing political affairs only serves to bring them closer together.
This novel is split into several parts. It begins by focusing on Karla and Bruno, skilfully merging their stories as their love blossoms. Their union and the birth of their children solidify their bond. However, the reader knows what Karla and Bruno do not: their love is overshadowed by the march of time, as the clock ticks down to September 1939. Radio stations break the news nationwide, and dreams for the future collapse. War becomes a daily reality, bringing constant worry about still unsigned Nazi Party pledges. Fear comes not only from war but from within Germany itself. One wrong move could kill you faster than a bomb and destroy your family as well. People vanished from the streets. The terror surrounding those trying to remain unnoticed in Germany is portrayed with chilling clarity that grips the reader.
As the novel progresses, Karla and Bruno find themselves separated, forced apart by the war that has already turned their lives upside down. The draft reaches Bruno, and tears him away from his beloved wife and two young children, pushing him into a life he never wanted, and into the path of endless bullets and explosions. Bruno is an admirable man, a hard worker, and dedicated to the tasks at hand, but he is not violent. Despite risking harsh punishments, he takes great effort to avoid firing a shot, even against the enemy. The atrocities he sees, as he is deployed, captured, and imprisoned in a Russian labour camp, do not change his perspective of the world, and his kindness and care still prevail, despite the harsh conditions and treatment he endures. Bruno’s story is one of inspiration and astonishment, for he will get back to Karla, one way or another. Their love is the strength that drives him forward. This novel does not shy away from the details of what Bruno witnesses and endures, which makes his journey home all the more emotional. His determination and overwhelming love for his family propel this novel forward and compel the reader to love him.
At the same time, Karla fights a different battle. Still inside Germany, with two young children, she struggles to stay afloat without Bruno to support her. She puts on a brave face, but her mind and body are filled with fear as the sound of the air-raid siren becomes normal, and running to the bunker becomes a usual part of her week. The country is war-torn, and bombs are raining down around her and her family. She struggles with trying to keep her children safe while also ensuring there are no targets painted on their backs. If the Nazis call you forward to help in the war effort, there is no refusing, and trying to maintain the persona of a devoted Nazi follower while they are the reason her husband has been sent away is a daily challenge. In a time when women had to rise to the occasion and keep things running, Karla most certainly fulfilled her role. Her commitment deserves commendation, and, much like with Bruno, you can’t help but love her. The portrayal of both Bruno and Karla is beautifully rendered, for they truly come to life as you read this novel. The knowledge that this novel is a true story adds to the atmosphere, intensifying the pure admiration that the reader will have for these courageous individuals.
Although they are, in the grand scheme of things, a smaller part of this novel, it would be impossible not to mention Eli and Ilse and their family. Being Jewish during the rise of Nazi Germany brought indeterminable dangers and terror. To harbour a Jewish family and hide them from the ever-watchful eyes of the SS and Gestapo carried a death sentence. But how could Bruno watch his friends suffer, or risk their lives by not helping? The bravery it took to step up and ensure his friends’ safety adds an additional layer of unease and apprehension to the novel. At times, the tension is so great, and the fear for Bruno and Karla’s lives so intense, you will find your eyes glued to the pages. This is not a novel that takes long to read, as once you have started, it is next to impossible to put the book down and walk away.
Through political turmoil and unwavering love, “The Electrician and the Seamstress (Timeless Legacy Book 1)” by Monica Granlove powerfully explores themes of resilience, moral conviction, and the enduring impact of human connection. The gripping narrative and evocative prose make this novel a memorable meditation on love and survival against impossible odds.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Monica Granlove
Monica Granlove is a storyteller and social commentator dedicated to motivating future leaders. Monica engages audiences in thought-provoking discussions, emphasizing the importance of applying historical perspectives to today’s world. She believes that by exploring the past, we gain a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and can make informed decisions for the future, especially when it comes to voting for political leaders.
Based on the true story of her own grandparents, Monica wrote The Electrician and the Seamstress, her debut novel. When she’s not writing, Monica is traveling with her husband, Axel, and their spoiled dog, Abby, or spending time with her three adult daughters. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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